Diversity and Defence: Characterisation of Extremely Variable Defensive Proteins from Sea Urchins

抗生素耐药性是一个全球性问题。在这个项目中，我们将研究一类新的潜在抗生素-紫海胆素。与其他抗菌剂相比，Purpuratins是独一无二的，因为它们的结构极其多样。 通过研究这种多样性，我们将为靶向药物设计的生物学方法提供新的线索。这些信息对于开发经过微调以杀死特定微生物的定制抗生素至关重要。我们的工作代表了澳大利亚和美国研究人员之间的合作。它直接促进国际科学合作，同时为年轻的澳大利亚研究人员和学生提供高水平的培训。

Antibiotic resistance is a global problem. In this project, we will study a new class of potential antibiotics - purpuratins - from sea urchins. Purpuratins are unique when compared to other antimicrobials because of their extreme structural diversity. By investigating that diversity, we will shed new light on biological methods for targeted drug design. This information will be critical to the development of tailor-made antibiotics that are fine-tuned to kill particular micro-organisms. Our work represents a collaboration between researchers in Australia and the United States. It contributes directly to international scientific co-operation whilst providing high level training for young Australian researchers and students.